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Easy Goulash Recipe

Goulash is a simple skillet dinner with tomatoes, beef, and macaroni noodles in a zesty tomato sauce. It's a perfect comfort food on a budget!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 217 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 ounce jar
  • 2 cups beef broth or water, more as needed
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf 2 if they are small
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni uncooked, about 8 ounces
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
  2. Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
  5. Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.

Notes

  • This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd (serving sizes can be adjusted in the print screen).
  • For heartier appetites, the meal can be stretched with additional pasta (and water/broth), canned beans or chopped vegetables. (diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, corn, or additional bell peppers). Any ground meat can be substituted for beef. 
  • Start with the amount of broth/water as listed and add extra if needed (depending on pasta shape). The goulash will thicken as it cools and rests. Depending on the size and shape of your pan, you may need to add a little bit more liquid. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks, and add more liquid as needed. The mixture will thicken slightly as it cools.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2cups Calories 217 (11%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 47mg (16%) Sodium 562mg (23%) Potassium 812mg (23%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 587IU (12%) Vitamin C 23mg (26%) Calcium 59mg (6%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 217

% Daily Value*

Serving 2cups
Calories 217 11%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 562mg 23%
Potassium 812mg 17%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 587IU 12%
Vitamin C 23mg 26%
Calcium 59mg 6%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.